Managing Pain-Still in Hospital

sfmarie
sfmarie Member Posts: 602
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
As some of you may know, my sister had what was supposed to be a liver resection 2/5. When they went in, they noticed too much cancer in her abdomen and her liver was "not resectable". They also noted a blockage in her upper colon, which they resected. It is now 8 days from the surgery and she is still in the hospital. We thought she was going to go home several days ago but the pain is just too much.

I won't lie to you, I am scared. I had a breakdown yesterday and the thought of what all of this means has me scared beyond anything.
While they were in there, they also took some tissue samples to send to pathology to see what chemo agents may work. She received the pathology report back and it must not have been good news, as my father broke down crying (he is a doctor).

For those of you warriors out there, is this type of pain typical? She is asking for pain meds quite a bit.

I know religion has been an issue of debate here, but please please pray for us.

Marie

Comments

  • dianetavegia
    dianetavegia Member Posts: 1,942 Member
    #2
    Oh Marie
    I'm so sorry to hear your news about your sister. So much sad news over the last 2 months.

    No. A regular resection should not cause terrible pain 8 days out. I only hurt when I got up or sat/ laid down after 24 hours. I needed zero pain meds. I'm guessing all the other poking and prodding has something to do with her pain.

    Marie, I would be honored to pray for your sister! We are told, as Christians, to pray for those who are sick and those who are heartbroken. I'll pray for her pain, too.

    Let us know how she's doing and know that many, many will pray even if they do not say so openly. I don't remember your sister's name. God knows who I mean.

    God be with you and your family during this time.
    Diane
  • Crow71
    Crow71 Member Posts: 679 Member
    #3
    Stay strong Marie. We are
    Stay strong Marie. We are here for you. I think it's okay to be scared and have a breakdown, just know that you are much loved. I think about you constantly and send you sparks of hope and healing.
    Roger
  • geotina
    geotina Member Posts: 2,111 Member
    #4
    Marie
    I am sorry you sister is in so much pain. After George's colon resection he did not have any pain meds after the 3rd or 4th day. Once home, he had them, but never used them. I'm guessing that all the poking, proding and moving things around is part of the picture of pain. Any idea what that pathology report said? Of course you are scared, that is so normal go and have yourself a good cry, heck, have a total freak out and get it out. Please keep us updated when you can. I will be thinking of you and your family all day and that your sister finds relief from her pain. Tina
  • coloCan
    coloCan Member Posts: 1,944 Member
    #5
    geotina said:

    Marie
    I am sorry you sister is in so much pain. After George's colon resection he did not have any pain meds after the 3rd or 4th day. Once home, he had them, but never used them. I'm guessing that all the poking, proding and moving things around is part of the picture of pain. Any idea what that pathology report said? Of course you are scared, that is so normal go and have yourself a good cry, heck, have a total freak out and get it out. Please keep us updated when you can. I will be thinking of you and your family all day and that your sister finds relief from her pain. Tina

    While I did not have same op as your sister, Marie,
    I did have a colostomy with 8 days of hospitalization. Don't remember what i was given for extreme pain first two or so days( was sort of out of it)but I do recall getting shots of morphine and toradal and who knows what else, Went home still in pain, taking percocet and then Fentanyl pain patch for awhile. With my op, as time went by, pain gradually subsided but it took two-three months to be bearable and then better. Ask your doctors for more powerful pain meds if what your sister is getting isn't working provided pain med won;t cause more problems than it resolves....Best wishes in your sister's recovery,,,,,Steve
  • Brenda3.16
    Brenda3.16 Member Posts: 209
    #6
    coloCan said:

    While I did not have same op as your sister, Marie,
    I did have a colostomy with 8 days of hospitalization. Don't remember what i was given for extreme pain first two or so days( was sort of out of it)but I do recall getting shots of morphine and toradal and who knows what else, Went home still in pain, taking percocet and then Fentanyl pain patch for awhile. With my op, as time went by, pain gradually subsided but it took two-three months to be bearable and then better. Ask your doctors for more powerful pain meds if what your sister is getting isn't working provided pain med won;t cause more problems than it resolves....Best wishes in your sister's recovery,,,,,Steve

    I am praying for your sister
    I am praying for your sister everyday. My sister, Amy, has helped me every step of the way. She has always been there for me and my daughter. It is so nice that you have been there for her.

    Love,

    Brenda
  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    #7
    Will pray for your sis, you and family
    I hope that the doctors can find a pain med that will give her relief. That will be the first step in her recovery.

    I am sure this is extremely stressful for you and your family, afterall, we want to fix the world for our loved ones. Being unable to do that and not knowing what the furture holds is very difficult to handle. Take some time away, even a few minutes, to let your emotions out so that when you are back by her side you can give her your positive energy.

    When it all get's too much for you, just remember there are lots of folks by your side in spirit and thoughts, who will help you through.

    Marie (on the East Coast)
  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    #8
    Marie,
    I am so sorry to hear
    Marie,

    I am so sorry to hear your sister is in pain; it is so difficult to see someone we love in pain. You are a wonderful sister to her + my thoughts are with you + your family.
  • lisa42
    lisa42 Member Posts: 3,625 Member
    #9
    Oh Marie!
    Oh, Marie! I know how hard this must be on you. I don't really have any words or advice to offer, other than you know I will be praying.

    Hugs and strength to you,
    Lisa
  • luv3jay
    luv3jay Member Posts: 533 Member
    #10
    My prayers are with you and
    My prayers are with you and your family for strength and comfort. And your sister for peace and healing.

    -Sheri
  • idlehunters
    idlehunters Member Posts: 1,787 Member
    #11
    luv3jay said:

    My prayers are with you and
    My prayers are with you and your family for strength and comfort. And your sister for peace and healing.

    -Sheri

    Sending Prayers Your Way
    My prayers go out to you and your family in this time of need.

    Jennie
  • karguy
    karguy Member Posts: 1,020 Member
    #12
    I will
    I will pray for your sister,and your family.I hope she gets better.Crying is a good thing ,it helps to release the stress,so cry all you want.I was in the hospital for 10days,and on pain pills for another 5 months.I hope she gets better soon.
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #13
    karguy said:

    I will
    I will pray for your sister,and your family.I hope she gets better.Crying is a good thing ,it helps to release the stress,so cry all you want.I was in the hospital for 10days,and on pain pills for another 5 months.I hope she gets better soon.

    Marie...I am also sorry
    I hope that your sister and you and family will find peace with this...I would like to think that maybe a blocked bile duct could be causing the pain or the kidney unable to rid itself of toxins. This is sometimes all of the reason for pain and when relinquished all pain is gone. Im at a loss but I will pray for your sis as well as the family ....Love to you and yours, Clift
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #14
    So sorry
    Marie,

    I'm sorry that your sister is in so much pain, and that the news appears to be bad. I am praying that there will be less pain for your sister and comfort for your whole family.

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • sfmarie
    sfmarie Member Posts: 602
    #15
    Thank you all
    For your kind words and prayers. It is a rough journey.

    My sister went home from the hospital today. I do think seeing her three small children will give her strength and the will power to keep on fighting.

    I pray for everyone on this board, that NED is in the future for all of you!

    Marie
  • Kathleen808
    Kathleen808 Member Posts: 2,342 Member
    #16
    Marie
    Marie,
    It is good to hear that your sister is home. I will hold you, your sister and all your family in my prayers. You are a beautiful sister.

    Aloha,
    Kathleen
  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    #17
    sfmarie said:

    Thank you all
    For your kind words and prayers. It is a rough journey.

    My sister went home from the hospital today. I do think seeing her three small children will give her strength and the will power to keep on fighting.

    I pray for everyone on this board, that NED is in the future for all of you!

    Marie

    I am really happy to hear
    I am really happy to hear your sister is home now. I don't like being in hospitals + always feel better when I am home. There is nothing like our children, large or small to inspire us. I hope she is feeling less pain and will get stronger with the love of her family around her.
  • Julie 44
    Julie 44 Member Posts: 476 Member
    #18
    Kathleen808 said:

    Marie
    Marie,
    It is good to hear that your sister is home. I will hold you, your sister and all your family in my prayers. You are a beautiful sister.

    Aloha,
    Kathleen

    Hey Marie
    Very glad to hear that your sister is home..That is the best place to be....If I may make a suggestion...When I was diagnosed someone suggested to me to sart a journal...I am so glad that I did...I wrote down ALL my feelings,fustrations,tears,worries,joys and yes SCREAMS...It really does help clear your head and it does make you feel better..
    Your sister is sooo lucky to have you there for her..Keep us updated and we are always thinking of you and your family...JULIE
  • mom_2_3
    mom_2_3 Member Posts: 953 Member
    #19
    Marie
    Marie,

    I am so glad that your sister is home and with her family. There is nothing like returning home to your children after being gone from them. I hope that she is able to heal quickly, re-group and move on to another aggressive treatment plan for her. I send you thoughts and good wishes.

    Amy

Discussion Boards